A youth of Bajura starts a trekking venture in Bajura to promote tourism
Bajura: A 24-year-old Manoj Regmi has started an initiative known as Wild Bajura to promote tourism in the Bajura district. Geographically the Bajura district is divided into three specific regions from north to south. Higher Himalayan Region, Higher Mountain and mid–Mountains.
The Higher Himalayan region encompasses Saipal Himalayan range; the High Mountain region includes Doha Lekh and Ghori Lekh. Similarly, the Mid-Mountain range comprises several ranges of mountains. Badimalika and Budhinanda attract tourists due to religious reasons once a year. However, the mountains remain untouched for the rest of the year. Regmi who grew up in Bajura received his early education in Martadi and eventually moved to Kathmandu for his higher studies.
While many youths continue to migrate to foreign countries in search of employment, Manoj took a leap of faith and started his venture where he wants to be a trekking guide to tourists. He spoke to Dineshkhabar regarding his initiative along with his future goals.
How many people are involved in the Wild Bajura project?
Wild Bajura Project comprises three active members including me. If we happen to visit a new place we publish our trekking packages regarding the places for people that are interested to visit the place. Altogether 20 people are associated with our project but at the moment there are only 3 active members.
What is the goal of Wild Bajura?
The goal of Wild Bajura is tourism development in the district of Bajura. We aim to promote Bajuras' art, culture and beautiful landscapes to develop tourism over here.
When did you start trekking?
Trekking in a formal manner for us started later in our lives. Informally trekking for us started when we were kids. The first time we had our formal trek was during a field trip during our school days back in grade 7/8. That's when we began our actual trekking journey.
How many times have you been to Budhinanda?
I have been to Budhinandha around 3 times. But this time around, I visited them to promote the Wild Bajura project. So, adding that I've visited Budhinandha 4 times.
How many days does it take for your group to complete a trek, and how much time will it take for people from Terai to complete the same trek?
We took 8 days to complete the trek. But normally it would take 14 days for people from Terai. In comparison to other people, we are twice as fast. If other people take 2 days to reach a place while trekking, it takes 1 day for us. We walk much faster than people from Terai.
How many places will Wild Bajura offer in their package?
Well, all the places in Bajura are not mentioned in the package. However, we happily take our customers to all the important places for tourism in Bajura including places with picturesque views and holy temples.
Have you encountered any wild animals while trekking?
Yes, we have encountered wild animals. Before visiting any new place we gather information about the wild animals with the help of the locals. Hence, we have the knowledge and skills to save ourselves and the group travelling with us in most situations. One time we saw a leopard. Normally animals found in the trekking areas are not that harmful. During our last trek to Budhinang, we encountered a Deer. On the second day, we saw wild dogs and the same day we found a dead body of a Danphe (Himalayan Monal) at the edge of Maharudhra lake. We can observe wild animals.
Do you have any suggestions for people who decide to go on this trek, what must they carry for the trek?
It depends. It depends on where the trekkers are headed. We give our advice accordingly.
What months are suitable to travel to Bajura?
The months of Ashoj/Kartik are the best months for trekking because of the weather. The skies are open. It's easier to identify certain hills and routes. But if we are equipped with all the vital equipment during the colder seasons the Sherpas and shepherds are found in the higher altitudes to help. They make it easier for us. But Ashoj/Kartik is the best for trekking.
What is the vision for this initiative?
The vision of Wild Bajura is to promote tourism. We need to preserve and promote our art and culture. Therefore, we are trying to promote tourism in different ways.
Will you expand and offer packages in other districts?
Right now we haven't thought of expanding. But if it's necessary, we will expand in the future.
What is your main goal and aspiration behind starting Wild Bajura?
The main goal of Wild Bajura is to promote tourism in Bajura. But our priority changes every time we visit a new place. Like tourism development is one part. But this time when we visited Budhinandha, we asked ourselves 'what can we do for this place?'. So, we started an animal health campaign there. What can we do for the pilgrims there? So, we offered them free tea for their refreshment. Our goals keep on expanding, but the main goal remains tourism development.
Wild Bajura has also opened its Facebook and Instagram page known as Wild Bajura to attract tourists.
https://www.facebook.com/
https://instagram.com/wild_
Dineshkhabar Desk